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Shantry Makes Early Breakthrough But Smith Half Century Holds Up CountyMonday, July 14th, 2014

Jack Shantry made an early breakthrough for Worcestershire but a half century from Greg Smith denied them further progress before lunch in the LV = County Championship clash with Leicestershire at New Road.

Worcestershire resumed on 317-9 in their first innings with Shaaiq Choudhry unbeaten on 40 and Charlie Morris one.

The pair added four more runs in 4.3 overs before Choudhry (42) was caught at deep mid wicket by Angus Robson after attempting to pull Charlie Shreck.

Shantry and Morris shared the new ball for the home side and Greg Smith picked up two in one over from the latter.

Shantry switched ends after an initial three over spell and was rewarded with the first breakthrough of the innings.

Robson on 11 was trapped lbw by the left armer with the total on 34 in the 10th over.

It was Shantry's 33rd Championship wicket of the current campaign.

Smith collected a streaky four via an edge against Joe Leach but produced an impressive cover drive at Shantry's expense as the 50 came up in the 12th over.

Saeed Ajmal, in the last appearance of his current spell with Worcestershire, was introduced into the attack at 73-1 off 16 overs.

He was soon in tandem with the county's other spinner in Choudhry who entered the action at 89-1.

Smith reached his half century off 68 balls with nine fours and at lunch was unbeaten on 55 out of 98-1 from 25 overs with Ned Eckersley 28 not out.